GoNOLA Find: Femaissance

In the heart of the downtown Arts District, you can stroll around any day of the week and find inspiration. From art galleries, to glimmering lights and unique shops, the atmosphere of creativity is impossible to ignore.

This October, you’ll find Femaissance. Nestled within the Lighthouse at 743 Camp St., the space serves as a gathering place for hope, serving as a safe haven for the exhibit it will be housed in. This year, Femaissance transforms that space into “Proserpina,” a “refuge for those who have felt buried alive by the weight of the patriarchy.” The exhibit drew inspiration from Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 17th century “The Rape of Proserpina” in response to the #MeToo movement. The historical work juxtaposed with the movement of today explores both the progress that’s been made and the work yet to be done.

Tulane University graduates Madeline Rose and Halle Kaplan-Allen founded Femaissance in collaboration with New Orleanian female artists The space welcomes and empowers all females, showcases New Orleans’ new generation of female talent, and hosts programming for women to participate in. This year, the exhibit is the most ambitious to date, featuring over 50 participants and 25 days of programming.

The beautifully curated exhibition will include various types of work. Painters, photographers, potters, and jewelry and apparel designers will all have work on display and available for purchase. Programming will include yoga sessions, data workshops, and a closing night Halloween party with Miss Mojo. For a full list of Femaissance programming, see here.

Femaissance: Proserpina is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. from October 6-31, 2018. Pop in to see inspiring female-focused artwork, purchase a gift for yourself or someone you love, and connect with other empowered women.